How do aerobic bacteria septic system treatments compare to anaerobic treatments?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

When considering septic system additives, the distinction between aerobic and anaerobic bacteria treatments is a frequent topic of discussion among homeowners seeking to optimize their system's performance. The primary difference lies in their oxygen requirements and, consequently, their effectiveness in different septic environments. This comparison is critical because a standard septic tank is predominantly an anaerobic environment, while some advanced systems or specific treatment areas might benefit from aerobic activity.

Anaerobic bacteria treatments are designed for the conditions found in a conventional septic tank. These bacteria thrive in the absence of oxygen and are responsible for the initial breakdown of solids, greases, and organic matter in the primary settling tank. Most commercial septic tank additives containing live bacteria are primarily anaerobic or facultative (meaning they can survive with or without oxygen but prefer anaerobic). Their main goal is to augment the natural bacterial population in your tank, helping to digest sludge and reduce the frequency of pumping. Many users find these beneficial for maintaining a healthy balance and preventing solid buildup, which is a common concern based on Amazon product reviews for these treatments.

Aerobic bacteria treatments, on the other hand, require oxygen to flourish. These are typically used in conjunction with aerobic treatment units (ATUs), which actively inject air into the wastewater to create an oxygen-rich environment. In an ATU, aerobic bacteria break down waste more quickly and efficiently than anaerobic bacteria, producing a cleaner effluent that can be discharged into smaller drain fields or, in some cases, directly to surface water (with proper permits). While not suitable for traditional anaerobic septic tanks without an aerator, aerobic treatments can significantly improve water quality in ATU systems, reducing environmental impact and extending drain field life. It's crucial to match the treatment type to your specific septic system design; applying aerobic treatments to a standard anaerobic tank without an aeration device would be largely ineffective, as the bacteria would not survive.